In Partnership with Uniqlo
Featuring Ranveer Brar, Aabha Bakaya, Arjun Vaidya and Anushka Sani, styled in Uniqlo’s Comfort Work Wear
Photography by Raghav Goswamy
Ranveer Brar
Celebrity Chef, Masterchef India Judge, Author, Restaurateur and Actor
At 45, Ranveer Brar has established himself as a multifaceted culinary icon, with achievements ranging from bestselling cookbooks to a thriving restaurant business, besides having an immense digital presence. His recent foray into acting has added another dimension to his already impressive career, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to explore new creative avenues.
Despite his multi-hyphenate status, Brar remains grounded. He insists on his primary identity as a chef, but his career trajectory and personal growth reflect a broader engagement with the culinary world and beyond. His projects, including the restaurant Kashkan, emphasise simplicity and authenticity, mirroring his mature outlook on food and creativity. This holistic approach to his profession and life, characterized by a willingness to explore new avenues and express himself in diverse ways, is the next step in Brar's evolution.
What’s your career trajectory been like?
Ranveer Brar: When I first entered the F&B industry in 1996, I realised that pursuing a career in this field required more from me than merely cooking. Defining a chef's role solely as preparing food seemed too limiting, diminishing the broader scope of culinary expression. Being a chef needed to transcend the act of cooking. This understanding influenced my decisions throughout my career. It allowed me to fearlessly leave the restaurant at times; to not cook for months while I travelled in search of inspiration, and to experiment with new concepts without feeling insecure. Such experiences have enabled me to express myself in varied ways, gaining confidence in my identity as a chef. Success, in my view, is about achieving positive outcomes in those ventures. While some may equate trying new things with success, I believe success lies in the impact of those attempts.
What’s exciting about being in the F&B industry in India today?
RB: It’s a remarkable period to be a chef. When I entered the industry, it was rare to even see a chef in a restaurant, let alone in a hotel lobby. Today, the absence of a chef in a restaurant feels amiss. This shift over the years signifies a deeper understanding that food doesn't just cook itself; it involves energy, thought, significant experience, and creativity. The individuals behind the culinary creations are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, marking the most significant transformation I've witnessed from when I started to the present. In the past, chefs and restaurants also often aimed to intimidate diners, suggesting that certain dishes were beyond the realm of home cooking. The approach has since reversed. The food and beverage industry has become more accessible. Restaurants now strive to offer dishes that are welcoming and foster a connection with diners.
How did films come about?
RB: When I decided to be a part of Modern Love Mumbai, it was with a sense of cautious optimism and a leap of faith, especially since the role was that of a chef. Embarking on this journey, there was a moment of realization amidst the process where I felt a sense of belonging—not feeling entirely out of place. It struck the perfect balance of discomfort within my comfort zone. Acting brought about this precise level of discomfort, making it a fulfilling challenge. This experience sparked the thought that perhaps I should engage in something like this—'saal mein ek baar kuch kar liya'. It provided an opportunity to explore aspects of my personality that the usual structure of my life may not have accommodated.
What's next for you in 2024?
RB: We are opening two more Kashkans in Dubai. We're acquiring another brand in Dubai. Fingers crossed. So yeah, we should have around five outlets by the end of the year. It's a growing market, we need to grow along with it. You know, if you're not growing, you're basically dying. That's the nature of this business. Also, we are relooking at our US business to see how we want to position ourselves in that market; move to the West Coast, to Dallas. That's the restaurant bit. In terms of programming and content, I'm looking forward to doing more travel content. It's enriching, fun and interesting.
Aabha Bakaya
Founder & CEO, Ladies Who Lead
Aabha Bakaya has done what till a few years ago would’ve seemed preposterous—to create a powerful and wide network of women leaders from different fields to come together in a premium members-only platform. Exclusive clubs were often reserved for gentlemen and leading women was a term saved for actresses. Bakaya, who carries with her an illustrious career spanning two decades as a business editor, news anchor and producer, couldn’t ignore the gender bias present in the business landscape and it propelled her to start Ladies Who Lead in 2021 to disrupt the status quo.
Today, big-ticket achievers, founders, leaders, lawyers, CEOs, CXOs, creative professionals and entrepreneurs make up LWL’s 1000+ member milieu. And Bakaya with her all-women team, act as the magicians and enablers for these heroes to liaise with likeminded individuals across different sectors, while building their personal and professional growth through shared experiences. What Bakaya has so powerfully done, besides amassing the largest rolodex of women leaders in India, is to reiterate their unrelenting prominence, rise and indispensable place in the country.
What made you start Ladies Who Lead?
Aabha Bakaya: I started very organically. I was interacting with some super cool women when I was in the finance space. I took a little break from my work at the time and met some other women doing different things. They all wanted to collaborate and meet like-minded women. So, we started to create this diverse group of people that would come together. It was done in a very informal way—to create a pull for people to meet and have something to takeaway. Our first session was with [Co-Founder & Managing Partner of AZB] Zia Mody at the Ministry of New, and people came from far and wide to listen to her. She was such a riot. In one session, we had the city’s top banker, yoga instructor and industrialist together. That diversity was what made it so exciting and attractive.
How has the company evolved?
AB: We’ve grown to 1,000 members now. We launched in Delhi and Mumbai at the same time. We’re also present in Bengaluru. And we have members present across various cities—from Pune to Rishikesh and Tokyo to Dubai. We’ve gotten to understand better what our members’ unique needs are. We see ourselves as enablers and the idea is to be able to connect them to each other, peers, mentors, leaders and others in the ecosystem that could provide a service relevant to their individual needs.
Who are some of the women that are a part of LWL?
AB: I’m not picking favourites but trying to give you a diverse sense of the kind of achievers we have: Aditi Kothari from BFSI, celebrity stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania, Ghazal Alagh who’s the brains behind Mamaearth and co-founder of Honasa. We’ve even got young entrepreneurs who’ve achieved new heights. Neeha Nagpal [Founder of NM Law Chambers], for instance, is on the BW Legal 40 under 40 list; she’s been making waves in her space—petitioning for surrogacy for single women and was instrumental in the LGBTQ movement. We have women from the PR, marketing and advertising sector as well—a lot of are members are looking for expertise in that area because you need it both for personal branding as much as you do your business.
What’s 2024 looking like?
AB: You’ll see our talk show, which is on currently. It’s on Women’s History Month and it gives you an insight into the diversity of the network and some of the life experiences of these women. We took the time to understand what our members wanted and are now accelerating our pace of growth. You’ll see more global speakers and the expansion of our network to other cities. We’ll also have a lot of masterclasses with our members. We’ve got an ongoing mentorship program that we started this year, which is divided into three buckets, so you have industry specific leaders, growth advisers and CXO advisers. We’ve got The Venture Vault, which is a business growth programme that we launched in Delhi last year and are now bringing to Mumbai. We envision ourselves being the platform of choice for women professionals when they think about leadership, growth and impact.
Your advice to women entrepreneurs today.
AB: Amit Chandra [the Managing Director of Bain Capital] recently said that there’s so much room for opportunity in every single vertical with the way India is expanding. For me that is so inspiring. Women out there are innovative, creative and coming up with these great business ideas. It could take them a little more time to reach to a certain height if they’re managing other responsibilities, but they have the grit and determination to do it. Whichever field women decide to go into, today’s the right time because of the access to resources, support and opportunities that were not necessarily there before. So, if anyone was apprehensive earlier, I’d tell them now’s the time to take a chance.
Arjun Vaidya
Founder, Dr. Vaidya’s | Early-Stage Venture Capitalist, V3 Ventures
Arjun Vaidya, the scion of a 150-year-old Ayurvedic legacy and the dynamic founder of Dr. Vaidya's, stands as a testament to the seamless blend of heritage and innovation. After completing his education at Brown University, featuring on Forbes’ 30 under 30, and leading Dr. Vaidya's to becoming "India's largest Ayurvedic brand online," he has now carved a niche for himself as an Early-Stage Venture Capitalist at V3 Ventures with a keen eye for India's burgeoning consumer startup ecosystem.
Originating from a lineage where his "grandfather, great grandfather and generations before were all doctors," Vaidya's transition to his current role underscores his adeptness in bridging traditional wisdom with modern entrepreneurial zeal.
If you were to start a brand today, what niche would you pick?
Arjun Vaidya: I see a significant opportunity in the amateur sports, physical fitness, and health sectors. My vision is to create a mass premium sports brand akin to Decathlon but one that originates from India. This brand would cater to a wide audience, promote an active lifestyle and make sports more accessible to everyone. Secondly, I would explore the footwear industry, specifically targeting the sneaker market. I aim to develop a brand that offers sneakers reminiscent of popular brands like Jordans, New Balance, and Yeezys, but at a more affordable price range of Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. The challenge lies in making high-quality, stylish sneakers accessible to a broader demographic, such as college students aged around 21 or 22 who are willing to spend little but desire footwear that mirrors the trends set by their favorite celebrities, influencers or cricketers on social media.
What are some of the hottest sectors in India right now to build a startup in?
AV: As a consumer investor, I'm naturally drawn to the consumer sector, which I find to be one of the most promising areas for building large, profitable businesses. There are four specific areas that stand out to me. First, the Home and Kitchen segment is particularly exciting. I recently renovated my home and noticed a lack of variety in this space. Second, Pet Care is emerging as a promising sector, especially in the wake of COVID-19, which has led to an increase in pet adoption. Third, the Sports, Fitness, and Health category presents a massive opportunity, ripe for investment and innovation. Lastly, Personal Care is another vast market with considerable potential, despite its competitive landscape.
What do you think about a 60-hour workweek culture?
AV: I firmly believe that the quality of output is more important than the number of hours worked. I need to put in 10 to 12 hours of work daily to achieve the results I aim for. Ultimately, it's about doing whatever is necessary to produce the desired outcome. I've come to accept that I'm hardwired to be diligent, and I plan to continue like this. However, I acknowledge some individuals can work smarter, and achieve similar results in just 30 to 40 hours a week.
What's your take on AI?
AV: AI has the potential to significantly impact the job market, particularly for those who fail to adapt. It's also important to recognize that AI doesn't apply to every scenario. For instance, the construction of a building still requires physical labor. At times, the term AI, along with LLM (Large Language Models), seems overused, becoming more of a buzzword than a utility. Its use should be purposeful, not merely for the sake of following a trend.
What's next for you in 2024?
AV: I'm not one to look too far into the future. I see life as a series of 100-day sprints rather than a long marathon. At the beginning of each year, my wife Trisha and I outline our goals for the first quarter, covering personal, professional, and family aspects. This year, from a professional standpoint, I'm focusing on numerous new investments. It's an opportune time. On a personal level, my daughter has just turned one, and it's fascinating to watch her develop her own personality, start walking, and grow. I'm committed to spending more time with her, especially now that she's about to start playschool.
Anushka Sani
Founder & Creative Director, Thought Over Design
“When I started my career, one thing always was clear… I wanted to work with people that are trying to do things differently and better,” says Anushka Sani. After nearly ten years in the business of building brands and their design principles, Sani’s work on over 100 brands—both big and small—has left an impact on India’s burgeoning design landscape.
In this time, she’s focused on developing a cultural lens towards creative direction with her studio Thought Over Design, drawing inspiration from the everyday lives of Indian consumers; the cultural shifts we all experience as part of society; and the purpose-driven narratives of her clients—many of whom aim to change the way Indians dress, eat, commute, work, play, and everything in between. Here are her thoughts from our conversation on the world of branding, fresh design trends, and the future of her award-winning creative studio.
How did your brand-building journey begin?
Anushka Sani: It's hard to answer that question because it's a slow organic process. As a creative person, there are very different aspects of life that influence your work. When I was as little as 9 or 10, I would force my father to take me to this one Apple store near my home (probably the only one in the city) and I would ogle at the computers and play CD-ROM games for hours. Intuitively, I was led to this world of graphic design and without knowing anything about brands, I was drawn to those with a larger mission, a user-friendly approach and, of course, aesthetics.
Describe your ideal client to us.
AS: I like to work with people who truly care about what they're building, have clarity on what they're doing and can communicate their goals. They should also trust that you care about what they're building and will give you room to experiment, explore and create. It’s important to have a conversation when there is a difference of opinion, too.
What's the secret to understanding a brand’s audience?
AS: I don't think there is a secret. But I do think the ‘not-so-secret ingredient’ is something most people don't have, which is time. We spend time with a few people that would be representative of this audience, and we try to understand their mindset. Don't underestimate your audience. Go out and understand them so you can get the real picture.
Where do you see India's design trends moving in the 2020s?
AS: I see two large trends. One is craft — there’s a lot of emphasis on how things are made, the detail that goes into them and the time it takes to make them. People are also more understanding of this and are willing to pay more for things that are crafted meticulously using valuable techniques. The second is a sense of aesthetics. It was always the case that people in design and art understood and had value for aesthetics. And I use the word aesthetics because it is broad and each one has their own, whether it's muted and minimal or wild and bold. People have started to understand their own sense of aesthetics. That's quite empowering. You see this in how people dress or create spaces around them, and it reflects the aesthetic they are drawn toward.
What’s an important facet of design that Indian businesses should consider?
AS: Just the consistency and quality of creative work you put out. I do feel that a lot of businesses get lost in trends and miss the simple stuff, that can seem boring or time-consuming. But a consumer will always notice when a brand is inconsistent, they’re much savvier these days. So, it’s important to develop a tone of voice, build recall by shooting your images, products and videos with a consistent style, and have a mission or purpose for your brand. Simon Sinek’s book, ‘Start With Why’ is a good place to start with this concept.
You love diving. How does it impact you professionally and personally?
AS: Loaded question! Personally, diving is a reminder that there is more to life than work. And I really do believe that we live in an age where everything must be deemed productive and that everything must have something to do with work. In this case, diving has everything to do with grounding myself and reminding myself that the culture we build at Thought Over Design should celebrate each person for what they love and hold dear.
What are your views on using AI in creative studios?
AS: AI is a tool we must familiarise ourselves with and use to enable our work. We have recently started to dabble, and I feel this is something all designers and creative people need to understand better so that we can use it to improve and enhance our work! If there's anyone out there who can come and teach us a thing or two, I'd love it and we have been looking at upskilling the team too.
Credits-
Videographer: Aman Singh Chauhan
Head of Production: Siddhi Chavan
Styling Delhi: Team Uniqlo
Styling Mumbai: Peusha Sethia and Sakshi Prithyani
HMU Delhi : Kanika Sharma
HMU Mumbai: Nitin Chavan
